Car, motorcycle crashes occur over weekend

This Acura RSX driven by Jeffrey W. Smith Jr., 22, Punxsutawney, was traveling west on Snyder Hill Road when he lost control of his vehicle while negotiating a left curve in the roadway, landing in a group of pine trees. Both the driver and a passenger were injured in the crash, which occurred at 10:35 p.m. Saturday.
(Photo by Larry McGuire/The Punxsutawney Spirit)

By Larry McGuire
Of The Spirit

YOUNG TOWNSHIP — A driver and passenger were injured in a one-vehicle accident that occurred at 10:35 p.m. Saturday on Snyder Hill Road, Young Township.

According to Punxsutawney-based Pennsylvania State Police, an Acura RSX driven by Jeffrey W. Smith Jr., 22, Punxsutawney, was traveling west on Snyder Hill Road when he lost control of his vehicle while negotiating a left curve in the roadway.

Police said Smith's vehicle traveled off the north side of the road and began to rotate counterclockwise, sliding across the road and striking a large pine tree along the south side of the road.

According to police, Stephanie A. Munger, 20, Punxsutawney, a passenger in Smith's passenger was flown by emergency medical helicopter to Altoona Hospital from the scene for treatment of moderate injuries.

Police said Smith was transported to Punxsutawney Area Hospital by Jefferson County EMS for treatment of his moderate injuries.

According to police, Smith was charged with careless driving.

Police were assisted at the scene by the Punxsutawney Fire Department and South Side Service.

Meanwhile, a hit-and-run motorcycle driver was located by state police after he was involved in an accident at approximately 12:55 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of Route 36 and Cloe-Rossiter Road, Bell Township.

According to police, a 2006 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide motorcycle driven by Timothy P. Troutman, 42, Altoona, was traveling south on Route 36 when he observed a left curve and applied his brakes due to traveling too fast to negotiate the curve.

Police said Troutman's vehicle slid 75 feet off the right side of the roadway and traveled approximately 40 feet through a driveway and then struck a porch of a house.

According to police, Troutman's vehicle then traveled up onto the porch and struck a window, and he fled the scene traveling south on Route 36.
Police said Troutman was located at a residence a short time later and was transported to Punxsutawney Area Hospital by Jefferson County EMS and then flown to UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh by Stat MedEvac for treatment of his injuries.

According to police, alcohol was involved, and the investigation is continuing.

Police were assisted at the scene by members of the Punxsutawney Fire Department.